Habitat Focus Area Selection Criteria

1. Potential to demonstrate long term impact.

If designated activities are successful, they will lead to measurable positive impacts. Measurable impact is defined as progress towards the five Habitat Blueprint Outcomes that can be quantified through monitoring, modeling, or data collection.

2. Feasibility of making measurable progress in three to five years.

There is a high likelihood of measurable progress towards the desired target(s) within three to five years. If the project will result in more long term impacts there are significant milestones demonstrating progress within three to five years.

3. Potential for cross-NOAA collaboration.

Diverse NOAA programs and Line Offices are present in the area and opportunities exist to facilitate meaningful collaboration across those offices and programs.

4. Strength of existing and potential partnerships.

A number of partners are currently involved or likely to become active in the area and there is strong potential to leverage partner resources to achieve the primary objective(s). Partners are defined as organizations that can support habitat conservation activities in the candidate Habitat Focus Area through activities, monetary resources, providing advice, serving as advocates, or rallying political or community support.

5. Improve our scientific understanding of habitat function.

Working on this issue in this area will will address important gaps in our knowledge of key habitat functions.

6. Leveraging NOAA resources and investments.

Consider the level of current or planned investments of NOAA resources (monetary, research, personnel, ect.) in the area.

7. Consistent with regional initiatives.

Selecting the site as a Habitat Focus Area would be consistent with and build upon regional habitat relevant initiatives.